NATHAN Lemalie, a cleaner at BNZ Whakatāne, decided to start his own cleaning business after a colleague’s mentoring and encouragement.

He launched his venture in May, while continuing his job at BNZ, and has since secured two regular clients.

According to the Services Workforce Development Council, Ringa Hora, Nathan is one of a growing number of New Zealanders for whom the cleaning industry is becoming a pathway to business ownership.

Figures from Ringa Hora show the number of businesses in the cleaning services sector grew by 4.9 percent a year from 2016  to 2021, considerably faster than growth of 1.6 percent in the New Zealand economy.

Duane Mackwood, industry engagement lead for cleaning services, said there was little awareness of cleaning as an accessible and viable route to entrepreneurship.

“People might start out cleaning for a steady income, then after a year they find themselves with a company vehicle, a phone, and end up managing teams of people.

“Figures from Building Service Contractors NZ show entry-level cleaners can earn up to $60,000, supervisors up to $80,000, and operations managers over $100,000 with a phone and vehicle included.

“We know this builds a lot of confidence, and we’re seeing more people like Nathan striking out on their own. Cleaning can also be a great stepping stone for those looking to move into different kinds of business ventures,” Mr Mackwood said.

Before becoming a cleaner, owning a business wasn’t on Mr Lemalie’s radar.

“When my mate suggested it, at first, I just laughed. Then I thought about it and went, actually, why not?

“That’s a good idea, why did I laugh?

“To be honest, I used to be ashamed to be a cleaner, but I really found my worth during Covid. That’s when I learned that cleaners could save lives.”

Mr Lemalie is now focusing on expanding his client base and is continuing to lean on his mentor for help with the administrative side of his growing business.

“He’s helping me with the number crunching and all the next steps I need to take for when my business is bigger.”

The mentoring he receives has taught him a lot about mindfulness and celebrating every win, no matter how big or small.  “Now, I’m just happy I actually own something, I never even dreamed that I could do this, but here I am.”